Japanese women are more interested in skin and hair care than color cosmetics and fragrances. According to a study by EU-Japan Center for Industrial Cooperation, skincare and hair care products comprise nearly 2/3 of the Japanese cosmetics market. Fragrances stand at the very bottom at less than 1%.
Japanese women take care of their skin and hair—regularly and meticulously. They eat right, dress well, and don't overdo makeup either. To top it all, they are graceful and well-mannered. They prefer not to show off and like to be appreciated rather than noticed.
Proper cleansing with a good facial cleanser is where skincare begins. Natural soaps such as Artemisia (yomogi) or activated charcoal (sumi) are excellent choices. Always wash your hands before cleansing the skin to avoid transferring germs and bacteria. Treat cleansing as a gentle massage using fingertips in soft, circular motions. Use lukewarm water; hot water over-strips skin's essential oils and opens pores, causing dryness. Pat dry with a clean, soft towel. Washing the face twice a day is sufficient (or only once a day for very dry or sensitive skin). It is essential to clean the face if it becomes sweaty because perspiration irritates the skin and can trigger various skin conditions, including itchiness, breakouts, and rashes.
Unferined Rice bran oil is a fast-absorbing, gentle, effective, and non-comedogenic moisturizer. Since it does not undergo high-heat or chemical processing, it retains exceptionally high levels of vitamins E complex (tocotrienol), B1, B3, and the anti-aging Gamma-oryzanol antioxidant. Rice bran oil improves texture, diminishes wrinkles, evens tone, and reduces blemishes. Its natural plant Squalene forms a protective barrier against moisture loss and keeps skin soft and supple. Rice bran oil is also excellent for removing mascara, eye shadow, lipstick, and even waterproof makeup.
For centuries, Japanese women have used rice bran (nuka or komenuka) to beautify and maintain their much-admired complexion. Shiro nuka tones, hydrates, improves skin's texture and diminishes wrinkles and fine lines. It contains high levels of vitamins E complex (tocotrienol), B1 (thiamin), B3 (niacin), plus a potent anti-aging antioxidant called Gamma-oryzanol. There are a variety of ways to use Shiro nuka. The traditional Japanese way is to apply it with a "sarashi-cotton" applicator bag. It also mixes well with water to make a brightening face wash. There is a detailed page on our site for shiro nuka step by step how to use instructions.
Exfoliating once or twice a week can do wonders for the skin. Proper exfoliation removes accumulated dead surface skin cells, which make it look dull, and promotes cell regeneration. While abrasive or AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) type chemical exfoliants can be effective but harsh for delicate skin, natural enzymes in azuki beans offer a significantly gentler alternative.
Matcha and yomogi masks are rich in anti-aging antioxidants and contain tannins which lift the skin and give it a smoother appearance. Mix five grams with four tsp of warm water. Apply to face and neck in thin layers. Leave for fifteen minutes, rinse and moisturize.
